Dimensioning

For every drawing besides showing its true shape of an object, it is necessary to
supply its information like exact length, breadth, height, sizes, position of holes,
grooves etc.,. Supplying this information on a drawing is called dimensioning.
Lines, figures, numerals, symbols, notes etc., are used for this purpose

Types of dimensioning
There are basically two types of dimensioning provided on a drawing.

Size or Functional Dimensions: This is shown by letter F. The functional

dimensions directly affect the function of the component. There is another
dimension known as non functional dimensions represented by NF, where the
dimensions does not affect the function of the equipment.

Location or Datum dimension: This is shown by letter L. It indicates the

exact position or location of various constructional details with in the object

Placing of dimensions

There are two system of placing dimensions

Aligned system
Unidirectional system

Aligned system: In this system the dimension is placed perpendicular to the

dimension line in such way that it may be read from the bottom edge or the right hand
edge of the drawing sheet. In this the dimension is placed near the middle and above
clearing the dimension line

Unidirectional system: In this system all dimensions are placed in such a way that
they can be read from the bottom edge of the drawing sheet. In this system the
dimensions are inserted by breaking the dimension line at the middle. This type of system
is used on drawings of large components like aircraft and automobile parts, where it is
difficult to view the drawing from the right hand edge.